NHS suggests that doctors and nurses should take time to find out their patients' final wishesCredit: Getty Images

New NHS guidance suggests doctors should not be afraid to talk about personal beliefs with the dying, such as God or religion.

It comes after research found the “spiritual wishes” of terminal patients were recorded in just one in seven cases.

Sam Ahmedzai, emeritus professor of palliative medicine and specialist member of the Nice quality standard committee, said the majority of deaths are predictable.

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Revd Dr Brendan McCarthy finds it distressing that many hospital do not consider the religious or spiritual needs of their patientsCredit: BBC

And medical teams should not shy away from “deeper” conversations.

He said: “Control of pain and other distressing symptoms is very important for dying people, but good end of life care goes far beyond that.

“It includes asking about the dying person’s spiritual, cultural, religious and social preferences.

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An NHS watchdog says that staff believe that end-of-life care is only about making the patient feel comfortableCredit: Getty Images

“For many having a priest present is very important or a member of their close family.

“If they are a pet person, they may want their cat or dog by their bedside.

“These are things not in any of the medical textbooks, but doctors and nurses should be aware of.”

The Church of England welcomed the advice.

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For some families end-of-life care includes having a religious leader by the patient's bedsideCredit: Getty Images

Revd Dr Brendan McCarthy, the Church of England’s national adviser on medical ethics, said: “It is distressing that currently 85% of patients in hospitals are not offered spiritual and religious care because their wishes are not sought.

“The new guidelines remind us that we must do better.”

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